I always tease my lovely wife about how Delco she is. I think it was sometime during our dinner at the Riddle Ale House on Saturday that I realized I’d probably have to stop doing that. “I just organized a farewell walk through the Granite Run Mall that was covered by the Daily Times (thanks Phil and Leslie!),” I told her. “I don’t think it gets much more Delco than that.”

On our drive over to the farewell walk, I asked Valerie (she took a couple of videos and Instagram won’t embed them for some reason. One hereand one here), what the over/under was for people who would show up. She told me 17, while I was a little more modest with an estimate of 10. The response far outweighed our expectations.

Wall guarantee stickers! Thanks Chris!

As we walked up, we didn’t see anyone else there. Then we were approached by one guy, smiling ear to ear, who remembered me (and I, him) from back in the day. Then another few, and a few more, until we were a crowd.

A security guard approached us, and I thought we were in trouble. I’d been told previously that the mall didn’t like this sort of attention. To my surprise, the guard told us that the Granite Run Mall officials were thrilled and supportive of the walk, and have gotten rid of their “no pictures” rule for the day.

We started out with about 50 outside, and probably met another 25 or so along the way who arrived a little late.

Some people heard about it from me, some people heard about it from photographer Christina Wagner, and in what is the true sign of something going viral, some didn’t know where they heard about it from.

CHRISTINA’S VIDEO:

I saw long lost friends that I hadn’t seen in 25 years, which I can’t believe I’m old enough to even say. A girl and her boyfriend who used to hang out at the Sunoco with me after the mall closed, who had become a woman and her husband and their kids. I got Wall stickers from the long-haired guy, talked to the son of my 4th grade teacher, and much more.

I still can’t believe we all remembered each other, almost immediately.

My buddy Constantine, and his third ice cream cone of the day.

I got a little misty-eyed walking out of that place for the last time. I didn’t interview people or do the podcast like I said I would, because it seemed like it would be better for everyone to just have a good time.

If you were there, thanks so much for coming. It was neat that it worked out so well. If you’ve got pictures you can share, just email them to me, I’d love to see them.

With my friend from forever ago Greg

Made the RTRS podcast & snapped a photo w my bro & Howard Eskin in my last trip to Granite Run Mall. Not a bad day. pic.twitter.com/FtxyUnOuxL

** IMPORTANT UPDATE ** The former manager of The Wall, the long haired, shorter guy who worked there every day, every hour, for what seemed like forever, contacted me via email to tell me he’d attend. He’s also going to bring a stack of those little blue stickers that make your CD guaranteed for life. If you know me, you’d know I’ve been talking about this guy for 15 years, and to get an email from him is like getting an email from Bigfoot. It’s amazing. I’m thrilled. It makes it all worth it.

So I confirmed it with Delco legend Fantasource, and we’re going to take one final walk through the Granite Run Mall, and we want you to come along. I’ll bring along some stuff to record, and maybe get everyone’s memories of the mall as we walk, and then podcast the entire thing. My wife said she’d come too, indicating she either really loves the mall, or I’ve totally broken her will.

The mall was a huge part of my teenage years (AS I OUTLINED HERE), so this is important to me, in some perverse way.

So, what are we going to do? We will.

* Walk through the mall.

* Talk about the different stores that were there.

* Pour out a 40 in the parking lot for the mall.

* Finally, go to Riddle Ale House for the final meal.

That’s it. Pretty stupid, I know.

Here’s all the info:

Date: Saturday, April 11th, 2015

Time: Meet at 4pm

Place: Granite Run Mall

*this is in no way supported, endorsed, or associated with the Granite Run Mall or its owners. but we’re not going to cause any trouble.*

To tell you the truth, it’s a leftover from your fantastic performance last week.

Yeah, last weekend was nice. Won the teaser, and we hit almost all of the props we put out. Except Edelman over 6’ catches. He only got 6. So close…

We should tell people that I was unable to get a studio to record the pod this week. So I suggested we do this “email exchange” bit, like Simmons and Gladwell do. Except not as many words and probably not as insightful. You might say, “Spike, isn’t that just ripping off Simmons?” My response that would be, “of course, but you’re about two years late in accusing me of that.” I’m looking to sign up Jimmy King to do podcasts, and have his mere presence ruin my judgement.

I’m wearing a afro wig ala Gladwell. And I’m going to write a book for the sole purpose of having white people fawn over me. I’ve put in my 10,000 hours handcapping. And I still suck. His arguments hold no water. Let’s get busy with the weekend picks….

I’ve got my 10,000 hours in bullshitting on the internet, so this should come natural. So, we’ll get to a few props, but you said you have a pick for this weekend. I think both of these games are super tough. Feels like the best combo of teams in the Championship games in forever.

Yeah. In Week 16 we talked about the future Super Bowl odds, and these four teams were the top four on the list. So yeah, even though it’s not one versus in both games, San Fran is clearly the second best team in the NFC, even though they were a wildcard team.

I think the Patriots and Broncos will get all of the hype, but the better game this weekend will be Seattle vs San Fran. Over under of 38.5?? That’s low. I would lean to Under in that game, but that’s not the ‘official’ pick I’m making.

I like Denver -5’.

Yowzer. You’re betting against the Hoodie? I won’t tell him.

I like the Broncos alot. Yes, the Pats are playing well, despite injuries, but I think the Broncos offense will be strong enough to score 30+ and get the win this weekend.

The Pats offense is potent, but Denver defense isn’t terrible. And they are at home. I like them to win something like 34-21?

Here’s a “twitter tidbit” (meaning I got it from a tweet and I haven’t even verified it): Since 2000 Teams scoring 40 or more points in a playoff game are 2-15-1 ATS the following week.

Pats put up 43 last week. And they jumped out early on the Colts. I don’t see that happening this week.

And LaGarrette Blount ran well the past two games, and he should get the ball this weekend, but 180 yards and four TD’s probably won’t happen again.

Another unverified Twitter Tidbit: Home team last 13 Patriots games: 11-2 ATS.

Yeah, it sort of feels like the Patriots have been doing it with smoke and mirrors for a while now. I guess the thing that really gets in my head is that I’ve finally, after a decade of fighting it, started to buy into the stupid Peyton Manning playoff narrative. I just get nervous betting on him. Arguably the greatest quarterback of all time and the thing that makes me worried is “he might choke again.” Silly I know, but I can’t get it out of my head.

Twitter tidbit: #Broncos have been held to less than 400 yards of offense only 3 times this season – all 3 times by Chargers

Denver at home: winning home games by an avg 16 points.

Take out Chargers games, Broncos winning home games by 20 points.

445 ypg total offense at home this season

We all know about the Broncos offense, but I think the story will be the Patriots defense as the weak point.

Patriots D:

give up 130 rush yards per game this season.

Since Week 5 – 138 ypg rush & 383 ypg total offense.

388 yards total offense since bye week

Pats 4-4 SU on the road this year, but they stay within 7 points in all road losses.

So you can say they may lose but still cover. But I think if Denver wins they win by 7+.

Well the odds say it will be the Seahawks and the Broncos. I think I’d be happy with any matchup out of these four teams. I know it’s not your official pick, but do you like any team in the other game?

If I was picking the others, I would go with (in order of confidence)

1) Seattle / SF Under 38.5

2) Denver / NE Over 55.5

3) Seattle -3.5. If I play Seattle I would buy a half point to get to -3. Pay a little extra juice. Could come down to a field goal.

So we can put the Broncos -5’ and write it in stone. That’s the pick this weekend. But let’s move onto some props, which we did pretty well with last weekend. Maybe we know what we are talking about? (nah, probably just lucky)

Prop #1: Who will record the most Rushing Yards?

Marshawn Lynch (SEA) +120

Knowshon Moreno (DEN) +250

LeGarrette Blount (NE) +275

Frank Gore (SF) +400

I like Knowshon Moreno here at +250. He only got 100+ yards once this season. But it was against the Patriots, and he roll up 224 yards rushing. I expect him to see alot of touches this week. Especially if Denver gets a lead, maybe they learned from the last game. Get a lead and try to milk some clock. Don’t let New England get back in it.

Lynch is also an option but playing 49ers D scares me.

Speaking of options but scary defenses, I don’t know man, with as scary as the Seattle pass defense is, and as low scoring as this could be, isn’t Gore at +400 a decent play?

Maybe, Seattle does give up rush yards. They’ve given up 100+ yards rushing 10 times in 18 games. So, he could be worth a flyer. But I’m gonna stay away from him.

Prop #2: Who will record the most Receiving Yards?

Demaryius Thomas (DEN) 7/2

Julian Edelman (NE) 4/1

Anquan Boldin (SF) 9/2

Eric Decker (DEN) 11/2

Michael Crabtree (SF) 11/2

Wes Welker (DEN) 6/1

Golden Tate (SEA) 9/1

Percy Harvin (SEA) 9/1

This is too tough for me. I mean, I can’t imagine taking anyone in the NFC game. I know Boldin would be a hot pick, but I can’t in my right mind suggest you bet any receiver against the Seattle defense. Anything here?

Yeah, I think playing multiple guys from Denver could be the play. like we did last week. Take Thomas/Decker/Welker and see if any go off. Still make $$ if any of the 3 get most yards. Definitely staying away from the NFC game. Don;t see any of those guys getting big yards.

Edelman is 4/1 but he is a receptions guy, not known for big yards.

Speaking of Edelman…

Prop #3: Total Receptions – Julian Edelman (NE) O/U 6½

Yes, I do like this OVER 6.5 receptions. Again. We lost last week, but I think he will get targets this week and I expect Brady to throw a lot more than last week. Blount rushing and the Luck interceptions probably impacted Edleman last week. But this week, I think he will get catches. And win this OVER 6.5.

Prop #4: Total Rushing Yards – Knowshon Moreno (DEN) O/U 77½

Well thinking about what you did in the earlier prop, I gotta think you’re going OVER here.

Yes, I am going OVER. I think even if Moreno doesn’t win most rushing yards, he should be able to get 78+ this week. For the same reason I mentioned earlier, Pat rush defense is not great, and he should get enough touches to get to 78+.

Prop #5: Total Passing Yards – Colin Kaepernick (SF) O/U 190½

UNDER UNDER UNDER UNDER UNDER UNDER. Can I get odds on under half of this?

UNDER!! Yes, I love the Under here. Kaepernick averages only 199 ypg this season in all games. And vs. Seattle in two games he had 125 and 175..

He probably needs 20+ completions to get this number and Seattle is 4th in the league in completions surendered per game. and Opponents are only getting 179 ypg on seattle pass D this year. and 170 yards at home (in Seattle). Love the UNDER.

Prop #6: Total Rushing Yards – Marshawn Lynch (SEA) O/U 89½

I’m gonna hedge my Moreno most rushing yards bet with this one. I like Lynch OVER 89.5. I do think he will get yards, and he has had success vs. SF this year. 2 game he had 28 carries for 98 and 20 carries for 72 yars.

The key is can he get 21+ carries? When he gets 21+ carried this year (4 games) he has eclipsed 89 yards in all 4 games.

That is an “analytic pick”

FANTA-HINKIE

Now on to the best prop on the board…

Prop #7: Will any Seahawk Player kiss his bicep after he scores a TD in the game?

Must be clearly shown on TV, Book Manager’s decision is final.

Yes +500

No -1000

Dude I love the YES on this one. I don’t know why, but I love it. I’m a huge Kaep fan, but he’s so asking for it.

Yes, after what he did last week with the Superman pose, you know Seattle would love to rub it in if they are winning late and get a score, expecially a defensive TD, they will try it. But -1000 is BIG juice. So maybe only a few $$. Don’t cash in the 401k but it will be fu to watch.

Of course all of these picks are FOR AMUSEMENT PURPOSES ONLY. So we hope everyone has fun watching the games and maybe if Denver wins and covers I’ll be kissing my biceps at the end.

I do have a Seattle 12-1 to win the Super Bowl ticket, so i am also cheering for a Seattle win.

Well being that you got Marvin Lewis’ed on your other Super Bowl futures ticket, I’m cheering for you. I’d rather have Kaep win, but as long as a running QB wins, it’s troll gold for me.

Oh hey, remember me? Well, we didn’t have time to record a podcast this week so we decided to put pen to paper (fingers to keyboard) and write it up, like we used to do back in the original days of The Degenerate.

It’s week 17, and just like most week 17’s in the past the league is separated into two camps: those playing for something, and those who were eliminated and just want to get home and eat cheese and sit in their recliners. This week in our three team teaser we went with teams that really have a reason to play, whether it is for a division title, a bye week, or both. I think we have some good picks this week. I ignored any games between two teams that have already been eliminated, but there were still a bunch of games to pick from.

In case you aren’t familiar with a three team teaser, this type of bet allows you to get 10 points and use it in your favor and as you can see from the picks below, we used those points this week to bring our pointspreads from double digits (or close to double digits) down to more manageable lines.

On with the picks…

Pick #1: Patriots +1 over Buffalo Bills (original line Patriots -9)

Playoff scenarios for New England: Win and and clinch at least #2 seed (and bye week). Win and a Broncos loss and NE will get #1 seed in AFC.

This is a game where we just need New England to win the game, and I fully expect them to do it.

Since 2001, when the Patriots are 23-2-0 (92.0%) straight up against the Bills, with an average margin of victory of 15 points.

The Patriots since 2001, in home games in week 6 or later vs. teams with a winning percentage less than .500 they are 29-0 SU and 27-2 on the 10 point teaser line.

Some trends working against the Buffalo Bills:

When betting AGAINST the Bills in a three team teaser:

In 2013: 7-0 on the road, 13-2 overall.

And betting AGAINST the Bills in a three team teaser since 2011, in road games: 28-2-1 (93.3%); in all games: 52-9-2 (85.2%)

The Patriots will have a tough time in the playoffs without Gronkowski, and getting a bye week (and possibly home field advantage) will be huge for them. They will be prepared and should easily knock off the Bills.

This is another game where we have one team playing for playoff positioning against a division team has already been eliminated. Seattle could end the season anywhere from #1 seed with a bye week next week and home field advantage, all the way down to the #5 seed and playing a road game next week. I think they bounce back from the loss last week and beat up on St Louis.

Seattle lost last week to Arizona, Seahawks coming off of a loss:

Since 2011: 13-1-1 (92.9%) on the 10 point teaser line

Since 2012: 7-0-0 (100.0%) on the 10 point teaser line

Seattle is 14-1 straight up at home since 2012. Yes, their lone loss was last week, but I think they get it done this week against St Louis. I don’t see how the Rams offense will be able to score enough points against the #1 defense in the league to get a win on the road. Could be low scoring (first meeting was 14-9 Seattle) and covering 10 point may be tough but Seattle should win the game and that is all we are asking for here.

New Orleans’ playoff scenarios: Win and they are in. Saints win and Panthers lose then Saints win NFC South.

Saints at home this year are 7-0 straight up and on the three team teaser line, with an average margin of victory of 15 points.

And another stat (also fits for Seattle this week): Since 2010, any home favs of 10+ points who are coming off of a loss: 15-4-0 (78.9%) on the three team teaser line.

Since 2006, when the Saints play division games at home they are 19-3-1 (86.4%) on the three team teaser line (7-0-1 in since 2012).

Saints have lost 3 of last 4, and 2 in a row but they are 7-0 at home this year.

Since 2008, Saints: 14-3 ATS regular season home games off of a loss, including 11-1 last 12 games.

Brees had a terrible game last week at Carolina. This is a win and get in situation, the Bucs defense is tough but on the road this season Tampa Bay is 1-6 and gives up 25 ppg in road. Saints will get it done.

The three team teaser for Week 17:

Patriots +1

Seahawks -1/2

Saints -3

Confidence rating: 5 Bazaars (out of 5).

I really like the teaser plays this week. We have good situations, good matchups and motivated teams for our side. Let’s get this one…